SUPERIOR, WI – Lake Assault Boats, part of Fraser Shipyards and a leading manufacturer of purpose-built, mission-specific fire and rescue boats, is showcasing two vessels at booth #9133 on April 11-13 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) Exhibition in Indianapolis, IN. A 32-foot fire and rescue craft – shown courtesy of the Duluth Fire Department of Duluth, Minnesota – is center stage. Also on display will be a nimble 22-foot rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that is ideal for fast shallow water response.
“We are honored and excited to bring the Duluth fireboat to FDIC; it represents cutting edge on-the-water emergency response and will soon serve the Duluth Fire Department on the world’s largest freshwater lake,” said Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats Vice President of Operations. “In addition, our versatile shallow water, rigid hull inflatable craft, configured for firefighting, dive, and rescue operations, will be on hand.”
The Duluth Fire Department’s 32-foot V-hull craft, named Marine 19, features a 10-foot, 6-inch beam and a carrying capacity of 3,500 pounds. It is powered by twin Mercury Verado V-8 four-stroke outboard engines (rated at 300 hp each). This is a brand-new engine offering that delivers power and fuel-efficiency for unmatched emergency response in its class.
The setup includes Mercury’s Skyhook Digital Anchor and Joystick Piloting systems, using GPS technology and an electronic compass to automatically control shifting, throttling, and steering in order to help first responders maintain heading and position when responding to an emergency. For example, when engaging the fire pump, the Skyhook Digital Anchor system automatically maintains the fireboat’s position so the operator can better concentrate on the mission at hand.
Other features on the Duluth craft include a 1,500 gpm Darley fire pump, powered by a dedicated 365 hp marinized engine, a remote-controlled 2,000 gpm roof-top monitor, a 12-foot, 6-inch long pilothouse (with a CBRNE positive pressure filtration system), twin 12-inch Garmin touchscreens, and a full suite of advanced electronics.
The second craft on display at FDIC is a 22-foot Lake Assault Boats RHIB vessel engineered for fast and nimble fire and rescue response. This lightweight boat is able to operate in as little as 12-inches of water, and is an ideal fit for departments responding to a wide range of water conditions, including flooding. A heavy-duty buoyancy tube is available in three configurations: air filled, high-density foam, or a hybrid air bladder with a foam exterior.
“Through a combination of quality products, innovative solutions, and an expanded sales and distribution team, we’ve experienced a record-breaking year,” explained DuMars. “At FDIC, we look forward to connecting with current customers and showcasing our capabilities to the entire industry.”
About Lake Assault Boats
Lake Assault Boats are born in a shipyard, designed for a mission, tested on Lake Superior, and custom engineered using technology and resources unmatched in the fireboat industry. Lake Assault offers a wide range of custom hull designs and configurations suitable for use on inland lakes and rivers, inter-coastal, and offshore waters to meet the needs of first responders.
For more information visit www.lakeassault.com.
